McKee, Bourque in; Goligoski out - 11-30-09

Well, it's one step forward, one step back.

Penguins defenseman Jay McKee (above) will return to the lineup against the Rangers tonight after missing six games due to an infected finger. He will replace Alex Goligoski who is sitting due to what is thought to a groin injury.

Despite missing time, McKee still leads the team with 69 blocked shots in 21 games. That total is the fourth-best in the NHL this season. Additionally, McKee has contributed five points (one goal, four assists) and is a plus-five.

Goligoski has appeared in 21 games this season and has recorded 16 points (six goals, 10 assists) and is a plus-11. He had missed six games due to an injury prior to Saturday's 8-3 rout of the Rangers in which he recorded two assists.

Chris Bourque will be inserted into the lineup in place of the suspended Matt Cooke. Dave Molinari has more on the team's line combinations at PG+.

Additionally, Sidney Crosby was named the NHL's first start of the week. New Jersey goaltender Martin Brodeur was named No. 2 while Toronto forward Niklas Hagman was No. 3.

EN Says: Something looked off with Goligoski Saturday. At least early one. He was beaten badly on a few rushes to the net, including on one that led to a goal by Rangers defenseman Marc Staal. Perhaps he was rushed back to the lineup too soon.

Either way, he's being replaced with a viable player with vastly different skills in Jay McKee.

(Photo: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)